Opportunities and challenges for university extension in International Relations with municipalities

Abstract

This paper discusses the opportunities and challenges related to university extension in Bachelor's degree courses in International Relations in the context of municipal international actions. The internationalization of entities such as municipalities and states is based on the concept of decentralized international cooperation (DIC), understood as collaboration between subnational institutions from different countries to solve common problems and challenges. Paradiplomacy is a concept also used when such actions are supported by the establishment of institutional structures.The guiding question of this paper is: what are the opportunities and challenges for university extension in International Relations courses aligned with the municipal agenda? Using a qualitative approach based on primary and secondary sources, the case of the municipality of Pelotas-RS-Brazil, where the UFPel International Relations course is established, was analyzed in 2023 using the SWOT and TOWS matrix to identify internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats), based on the perceptions of the Director of International Relations of the Municipality of Pelotas and the Coordinator of the Bachelor's Degree in International Relations at the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel). The analysis allows us to consider that university extension in International Relations courses is an important tool for the support and continuity of municipal international agenda. However, there must be institutional commitment of persons and entities involved and, preferably, the projects and actions should be formalized through Cooperation Agreements or Partnership Agreements. The partnership between UFPel and the Pelotas City Government reveals high strategic potential for promoting internationalization, linking local development, institutional innovation, and qualified training in International Relations.